‘None of this makes any sense.’ VanderSloot calls on Little to help farmers amidst water crisis

#eastidahonews #water #vandersloot
IDAHO FALLS - Frank VanderSloot says if Gov. Brad Little and the legislature doesn’t do something to help eastern Idaho farmers, the agriculture industry in the area is doomed.
Melaleuca’s Executive Chairman is speaking out after a water curtailment order was issued for eastern Idaho irrigators found to be noncompliant with a state-approved mitigation plan. The mitigation plan is meant to help restore water to the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer.
The curtailment impacts about 6,400 junior groundwater rights holders who pump off the aquifer and could affect about 500,000 acres throughout the state, including four counties in eastern Idaho: Bingham, Bonneville, Jefferson and Clark counties.
VanderSloot says he’s been contacted by numerous farmers in the area who are pleading for help and he’s calling on Little to do something as a proposed deal is being discussed.
On Tuesday, Little issued a statement saying the state is working on a solution to the problem of dwindling water in the aquifer, which feeds the Snake River.
“I am encouraged by the progress we’re making to find a path forward to protect farmers and the supply of water for the year,” Little said. “The two sides working together is far better than any government-imposed solution. While the terms of any deal likely won’t be perfect for either side - compromise never is - it would provide water for crops this year. Once we get a deal across the finish line, we will shift our focus to a long-term solution as outlined in Director Weaver’s June 5 letter.
“I know we can do this. Idahoans have always come together to resolve our differences and find a path forward,” Little said.
Watch our entire interview with VanderSloot in the video player above.
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[@teribelleau137]

Im so sick of government overreach!

[@stevenfeil7079]

Corporate overreach too. Same thing actually.

[@kare7840]

Control the food, control the people. The Gov is overreaching.

[@katiescottagedreams]

💯 👏 💯

[@katherine5293]

Caution!! This is how it starts and suddenly you have a governing power just like California !! ☹️

[@michaelreischman9429]

FAMON

[@teresa9760]

FIdaho has visibly been infiltrated too. Gov created it, he SURE CAN FIX IT.

[@joygibson6623]

It's trillions in the veins of cobalt look up JARVOIS and what they did 50 years ago! It is NOT a good thing. More than agriculture! It's the wildlife, the fish, everything Idaho has will be stolen! For greed!!! They will cash out with trillions! Call the governor! Call legislators! Call Russ Fulcher!!!

[@Bug-Tussle]

No water no food.

[@francismarion6400]

When there's a potatoe shortage they will blame it on bird flu.

[@michaelreischman9429]

that's their PLAN

[@Juergen732]

No regulation, no water.

[@francismarion6400]

@@Juergen732 There was water long before there were regulations! lol

[@Juergen732]

@@francismarion6400 duh! That's because there was a fraction of the population.

[@iamkendraofficial2174]

It’s an excuse to shut farmers down.

[@lasinajensen4577]

💯

[@nottthereyet4872]

I believe that. Right under our watching eyes. More voice. More light shed.

[@whats3219]

I don't doubt that, but why do they want to shut farmers down?

[@nottthereyet4872]

@@whats3219 Whoever holds control over the food source, holds dominion. All roads lead toward socialism. And whatever follows after that . . .

[@nottthereyet4872]

@@whats3219 Whoever holds control over the food source, holds dominion. All roads lead to socialism . . . and whatever follows after that.

[@deborahbutynski]

Lord please protect these farmers and their families

[@SandraV-vt4ec]

Amen

[@SandraV-vt4ec]

@@sandrazollman550 I agree 100% - I’m so heartbroken in my spirit. this is so surreal.

[@jowhite8446]

deborah Sorry but that is delusional thinking!! We shouldn't be sitting around in fear waiting for the Lord to do something!! He is waiting for us to do something!! I made a much longer and even stronger comment but it was immediately d e l et ed!

[@skyjust828]

🙏🙏🙏Amen!!

[@teresa9760]

Ok It is now time to VOTE OUT BRAD LITTLE AND ALL OF THESE PEOPLE IDAHO.

[@MountainRetreat3200]

The snake river and its reservoirs are full. Still snow pack in the mountains. No drought just government overreach.

[@nancyarchibald9095]

Amen!! 😅

[@Brian1961-ep4bq]

This is what you get when you have California and other people moving in your reservoirs are full now the end of August they'll be damn near empty if not sooner now

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@Brian1961-ep4bq The Water for Bright Suburban Mr and Mrs Clean Machine Green Lawns will prevail. The creeping growth of Suburbs into Nampa Farmland seems relentless..... Like the flood of Cafoonians into Montana, the Farms are replaced by Subdivisions.

[@nadagabri5783]

Someone needs to shut down the mayor or the governor

[@xxx-not666]

Tar and feather...get the pitch forks out.

[@Brian1961-ep4bq]

This is what you get when you have California moving in another people from different states then they raise the property taxes so high you can't even pay your rent minimum wage here has been 7.25 an hour for the past 28 years your electric is going up 30% and that takes water to run the dams

[@SAVYDOD609]

Omg 7.25 move the heck away from there​@@Brian1961-ep4bq

[@ronishigh]

Shutting down a politician is called an election.

[@aMuenchGrinch]

​@Brian1961-ep4bq This has happened nationwide on purpose. They've all been strategically set in place for them to make a move. The more complacent we are the more control they have.

[@nadagabri5783]

Why would even one farmer comply? Don’t comply and don’t pay any fines. Complete BS

[@journeybrook9357]

They can bankrupt them and take their property.

[@nadagabri5783]

@@journeybrook9357 not if they don’t comply in any way

[@sandyshore8787]

Two farmers in Pennsylvania were thrown in jail for 30 days. It was because they do ultrasounds on cows and they are not veterinarians! They do this as a service to farmers to see if the cows are pregnant. This has been done for years by the farm industry. The two men ignored cease and desist orders . So they put them in Lancaster County Jail WITHOUT a trial. They are still in jail. They have families!

[@nadagabri5783]

@@sandyshore8787 outrageous. They need a good attorney especially if they’re constitutional rights were violated

[@joylloyd86]

They are fined $300 per acre per day for violation.

[@babsinlv]

This would affect the entire country! 😮

[@waltc614]

This needs to be talked about at every dinner table in America! Greedy land grabbers should be held accountable.

[@stevenfeil7079]

But people believe in 500 genders and climate change...........

[@chaos9495]

What a horrible Governor, you can tell a lot about politicians by the way they treat the farmers. The farmers are vital to the entire population and economy. REPEAT... worst Governor and the voters need to address this.

[@chaos9495]

Idaho is known for it's agriculture, not it's politicians.

[@samuelthomas9751]

It’s crazy how many SE farmers and ranchers campaigned for and supported Little’s campaign. Now they are going to lose thier livelihood.

[@nancyarchibald9095]

I didn't vote for him.

[@maryannweldin4633]

Governor is a swamp rat

[@saygoodnight5103]

Control the food. Control the population.

[@kathleen0303]

Exactly! A conscientious decision to decrease the population in the USA.

[@mr.t1941]

I propose a vote of no confidence for the director of water resources

[@nancyarchibald9095]

He should be fired for this. Him and all his help.

[@janieh4585]

Unbelievable- total communism!!

[@aigriffin42604]

Bro- how’s that communism??

[@melissaconnellyjones2622]

What the flip are you talking about?

[@aigriffin42604]

@@melissaconnellyjones2622 Exactly!👍

[@birdlovespaint]

First they take the guns then the farms so the state controls farming and food supply. Same as Russian revolution ....think Dr Zhivago...

[@elan007]

@@aigriffin42604 Fascist tyranny! Zero due process.

[@sandraguthrie276]

Shared in Florida! This should be NATIONAL NEWS!!!! Thank you NATE!!!!

[@iamkendraofficial2174]

That’s the plan!!! They don’t want farmers to succeed!

[@nadagabri5783]

Yes & non compliance is the solution

[@patriciamoran3445]

If the government controls the food they control you

[@sugarsnap1578]

Unless your name is Gates !

[@janh1399]

@@sugarsnap1578 my thought exactly.....so he can come in and buy up quality farm land

[@skyeagle3123]

Your Right,,, They didnot want the country to succeed by keeping americans on lock down no school for children,,, And now it's Farmers ? I be asking Bill Gates Who Never Farm Anything In His Life,,, And See What Kind Of Answers He Comes Up After Buying All His Land... Americans Need To Stand Together Especially When Seeing Other Countries Coming Here Buying Up Our Lands Using Up Our Sources And Tell The American Farmers To Pound Salt,,, Don't give in to these Traitors...

[@terrinielson7461]

Dear Governor Little, My name is Brian Murdock, I am a farmer in East Idaho. I am writing you concerning your decision to allow the Twin Falls Canal Company to take over the Idaho Department of Water Resources and cause the largest irrigation curtailment in the history of the United States. It is no surprise to me that once they were allowed to run that department things have spiraled out of control. Vince Alberti, a former manager of that canal, made it very clear to me and my brother Robert, way back in 2004, that the mission statement for the Twin Falls Canal Company was to see the entire east side of the state curtailed, pumps pulled out, and the wells cemented in. Vince ought to be feeling very happy to see his goal so close to achievement. As with any private entity, they see no reason to serve the entire state. Serving the entire state is the mission of the State government, which at this point is failing miserably to do its job. This past winter we have truly seen miracles for the great State of Idaho. The winter snowpack started slowly and lacking. I believe that due to much pray, fasting, and petitioning the Lord, we were blessed with a bountiful and suNicient snowpack. I have seen article after article posted by the IDWR that the 2024 water outlook was good if not fantastic. We have seen the reservoirs filled to capacity and beyond. For much of this spring, the residents of East Idaho have been more worried about the bridges over the Snake River collapsing than they ever were about a massive shortfall of irrigation water that would lead to curtailment. This supports the assertion that the State of Idaho has turned over to control of the water to the Twins Falls Canal Company. That on this year of all years, they can manufacture injury and demand be curtailed at this point is in the growing season is beyond ridiculous. This is truly a case of manufactured injury. Just like it has been for the past 20 years. Idaho is not that big when it comes to the number of farms. It is getting smaller and smaller. Twin Falls has about 1200 farms and Bingham County has 1100. Since this is Idaho, probably at least 75% of those farms are related to each other. If you think that there could be a true water-deprived farm that we didn't all know about in Twin Falls you are nuts! They are certainly hearing all about the damage they are causing their families East Idaho right now. You stated in your appearances and press releases that you are deeply concerned about our rapidly declining aquifer. This is not California. Idahoans have two eyes and a brain and we don't accept something as truth just because it gets repeated over and over. Groundwater pumpers are the people most tuned into the groundwater levels. We must be, we pay for any problems that arise from the aquifer. We don't get to pass that problem on to some helpless junior water right holder. We have not experienced a mass lowering of wells that would be expected if the aquifer were to drop significantly. If the aquifer were to drop, we would be the first ones to know it. I also find it rather sickening that you of all people would use this as a reason to cause and support the largest curtailment of land in the history of the United States. You might not remember me, but I very clearly remember you. We have met several times. The very first time we met was in your Senate office in 2006 when along with my brother Robert, and my cousin Ron Murdock. We met with you to discuss legislation, specifically House Bill 800. We were trying to introduce legislation to improve our ability as water users to recharge water into the aquifer. I watched you try and kill this bill in committee. You told me then you really didn't understand the "Water Issues" and you would listen to your advisors on how to vote. One of those "Advisors" turned out to be Idaho Power. Apparently, you are still listening to them. My brother and I then watched you vote against the bill when it went to the floor for a vote. Anyone can look up your vote against recharge in the legislative journals. Having my land curtailed based upon aquifer health from a Senator who voted against allowing more recharge to that aquifer is insulting. As should be obvious, I have been trying to improve Idaho's water for 20 years now. I have watched the slow deterioration of Idaho's water laws by these canals from Twin Falls. I was against the 2016 agreement. I knew back then it would not be the "Safe Harbor" that Scott Bedke was promising. I knew this was to be his launch pad for the oNice of Lt. Governor. His only interest in the 2016 agreement was for personal political gain. If he was truly invested in Idaho's best interest, he would be fighting for East Idaho and all the eNort we put into trying to make a flawed water agreement work. Since I have brought up political ties that create distrust, why is the only judge we have to bringanywaterissuesinfrontofJudgeWildman? WhoconvenientlylivesinTwinsFalls, along with his wife who works for the City of Twins Falls Economic Development Council? Now if that isn't a conflict of interest what is? This is a Judge whom we have NEVER received a favorable judgment from. The mere fact we have lost so many decisions should be a red flag that East Idaho ground pumpers are not being given due process. We have no friend in that court. It should be apparent that I could make this letter much longer. But due to the fact that I will also be posting this on social media, I need to keep it brief. You will hear more from me, probably part of some type of lawsuit that will be brought against the State. As much as it is true foolishness to bring lawsuits against your own state, sometimes it becomes necessary to get the attention of elected leaders. The other method to get the attention happens in 2 years when East Idaho will have the opportunity to vote against you and Scott Bedke for the parts you both played in creating this water mess. If you thought COVID was bad for the economy of the State, just wait till curtailment hits the economy. Please call me, I’d love to chat. Brian Murdock

[@sweettoothmomma2621]

Did you email him this letter? If not I would encourage you to. If everyone does this maybe he will take notice.

[@janh1399]

excellent letter

[@susanne1756]

You should write to the mayor and governor...and maybe bring it to the Supreme Court

[@crazydaisyj]

Thank you Brian Murdock for being a champion for both the big and small farms in East Idaho!

[@lyndakaydetweiler]

Thanks for posting this letter and for dropping names!

[@william_mac]

I've dealt with the Idaho department of water resources. I live in North Western Idaho. I happen to have a creek running through my 100 acres. I also have a Avista high voltage power lines running through my property. And of course they have to come in from time to time for maintenance. Well they came through my gate and crushed my culvert. That blocked the creek and it flooded my field. They couldn't get around to fixing it for 2 years. Avista says they can't get the permits through the Idaho department of water resources fast enough. In the meantime my property is flooded. My second problem is with the department of water resources is the following. They've restricted drilling wells in my area of surface water. You can only drill a well to the to the depth of the aquifer. That's totally unreasonable, not to mention the surface water now is flooding our fields. Idaho has a big problem. That problem is with the department of water resources. Do some research. You'll understand.

[@allysonh6410]

Omw!😮 time for Idahoans to unite and stop this it sounds like! 🤷‍♀️

[@william_mac]

@@allysonh6410 number one is get rid of the person that stopped allowing shallow wells to be drilled. It's totally unreasonable. And it's flooding my property. I don't own the water table, politicians don't own the water table. Idaho department of water resources doesn't own the water table, although perhaps they think they do. I have a very good relationship with the Institute for Justice. maybe they would like to hear this.

[@doralineahlers8569]

Thanks Nate for bringing this to the light, they’re doing this in Oregon too

[@valeriesmith3388]

And Washington State.

[@PatKolstad-jn5qd]

In maine /michacin! verginua.

[@lectinfreesolutions8478]

The farmers need to start protesting and get the people with them….follow Europe’s farmers!

[@tammypierce3250]

Europes Farmers protested and lost. Look at the Netherlands.

[@madcybrarian]

Look for who benefits and how. Who is waiting in the wings to buy the farmland cheap???

[@shelly1928]

China

[@TheMarkandheidi]

China!

[@thefix2573]

Jeffry Epstein's Non Scientist friend.

[@JulietFeige-wn9hf]

Obviously China...Why are foreigners allowed to buy up massive amounts of American land. It should be stopped...

[@janh1399]

China? bill gates??

[@eleshadenson1063]

If all or the farmers and ppl that gave a shit showed up in Boise on the steps of the capital. Our pos of a governor would have to listen.

[@JaybeeJkr]

Bring along tractors and manure like the Netherlands. Block main roads - I bet the abc people have roads blocked right now for their parades... I would be making one helluva stink!

[@robbor7788]

Open your eyes. They’re going this in multiple states.

[@squeakywright8743]

This is unforgivable. Agriculture should always be a number one priority. Shut down watering lawns first - and new development secondly.

[@squeakywright8743]

Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting

[@user-hg3xt1ps5d]

What a travesty, this is their livelihood.

[@elan007]

It is everyone's livelihood that eats potatoes!

[@jowhite8446]

@@elan007 Absolutely right!

[@kathysoltys3104]

It's our FOOD

[@critterscute3642]

Sounds like someone wants to buy that land for real estate development. Drive the farmers out. Take over and make money for themselves.

[@teribelleau137]

Isn't Bill Gates and Blackrock trying to buy up property? The Chinese too.

[@JulietFeige-wn9hf]

Chinese

[@reynL208]

No water for farmers but plenty of water for new homes? Not surprised.

[@22lilacsky]

It's much more sinister than that!

[@src5769]

No it's worse than that watch the Jimmy Dore show to find out the answers.

[@michaelburns9172]

There is a bigger plan to all of this . Control . Hungry people are easy to control.

[@sandyharris9162]

Soylent Green, we’re getting closer and closer to that!

[@annecoelli4355]

It's always the poor farmers that cop it. No crops, No food

[@cathygroves8909]

Crops die..farmer goes under...Bill G. swoops in and buys cheap land...water magically reappears.

[@thelastjoseph]

They are reopening the cobalt mines, so they want your land for cheap and they need the water to mine, and poison your waters.

[@patrisha7487]

@cathygroves8909 - or Oprah & Dwayne Johnson. Bought up land cheap after Hawaii fires.

[@Brett727]

The overriding question I have is: Why are all these government bureaucrats able to limit our Food Supply through punitive regulations? Our food supply should not be shut down or limited by regulations.

[@CreeperJ44]

Because we let them.

[@cheesecakefan4880]

Everyone that can should be growing some food. Anything and Everything they can. I live on 2 acres and I grow alot My neighbors live on 2 acres and they grow grass and cut grass all summer. Ive tried to encourage them to do more but they refuse. I have 12 hens and raw milk right down street . I have atleast what Im doing if government food systems fail. I pray it doesnt

[@charlesbarbour4995]

Why shut off the water for agriculture, shut off the water for people wanting green grass in the desert whether at golf courses or residential properties.

[@ellenwilson9429]

They don’t want the lawns in town, they want the farms.

[@melissaconnellyjones2622]

The state’s plan doesn’t even make any sense. I get conserving water but, how on earth will this help in the long run? And how can the governor be perfectly fine destroying the state’s economy?

[@WhosWhointheZoo123]

The Chinese owned land will not be affected with water restrictions. They grow on our land and export the crops to china.

[@susanswarts1407]

I belive the governor wants to restore the aquifer.

[@22lilacsky]

Bought out by the U N!

[@powaqqatsi8]

The govenor is bought and paid for by corporations...a career politician.

[@sandraguthrie276]

They MOVED THE GOAL POST!!! That should make the agreement NULL AND VOID!!!!!

[@Aussietari]

What a DISGRACE to do this to these Wonderful hard working Idaho Farmers.‼️

[@kimnicks8590]

I wouldn't comply or pay the fines, they don't have enough room in jail for all of these farmers. Governor needs voted out.

[@Brian1961-ep4bq]

You have everybody else moving here out of California and every other state they're finding these Farmers $300 per acre and these Farmers have to meet your payments with their equipment with the banks big problem

[@lisasullivan2520]

Thank you for supporting our farmers Frank!!

[@lauraligh6033]

Scary. Need to know more.

[@WhosWhointheZoo123]

The Chinese owned land will not be affected with water restrictions. They grow on our land and export the crops to china.

[@KK-rc5ds]

And we import tons of sh;+ from China…. Plastic crap, everything in HomeDepot, Walmart, Target…. Bunch of junk. Very sad. We need our farmers.

[@jacquelinewitt4279]

EVERYONE NEEDS TO WRITE THE GOVERNOR!! This is insane!!

[@judistocker1811]

Shame on the government

[@user-zb9atLsuM7f]

Farmers need the water FIRST! City pools and parks don't matter. Food for now and the future--- Sadly I think Utah is starting to think like this.

[@mrp4242]

You think this is about city pools/parks vs Ol’ Farmer John? Oh boy. No.

[@lauramccament1381]

OUTRAGEOUS!! 😡

[@Liz_678]

Sounds like someone wants to buy the property! Very suspicious! Must be taken to court!

[@SR71GIRL]

This will affect the entire country.

[@kookietherapy9398]

$4K p/acre to plant potatoes, and they already planted them !!! They're coming for you Next, but first your food !!!

[@petepeterson7230]

We, the "little people" cannot stop the train from the caboose. I'm convinced the folks behind the Lava Ridge Wind Project have already called dibs on that water. The concrete batch plants and future road construction for the project require huge amounts of ground water. This has been in place years ago. When the windmills were just a gleam in the eyes of the 'Green Folks.'

[@WhosWhointheZoo123]

The Chinese owned land will not be affected with water restrictions. They grow on our land and export the crops to china.

[@AbeTaylor-bd9oe]

Thank you, Frank, for talking about this issue. Brad Little has no spine.

[@nancyarchibald9095]

My husband calls him: Chicken 🐔 Little.

[@debramurphy121]

No water no food starvation population goes down easier to control. Either that or they want to own the land themselves.

[@mabjhoss]

Sounds like East Idaho is trying to transition to building homes and commercial properties from farming 🤔

[@jackiewilson9647]

I live in SC. I don’t understand why Idaho farmers are having their water supply shut off. I know it’s not my state, but it seems unfair. Many from NY moved to Florida. Many from California moved to Texas. My neighbor is from Nevada. Come on Idaho…us in SC will make room for you. We love you.

[@terrykissell1633]

First destroy the food processing plants then destroy the ability to actually raise crops......what could go wrong!!??

[@adoeandfawn]

Praying for this to be resolved soon!

[@aletakey3600]

Better get them water quick or this years crops will die & most of those farmers will go bankrupt. What's going to happen to Idaho's economy if you don't have farmers.

[@sherrypeck4062]

Something or someone needs to be investigated?..this is WRONG!!!

[@MaxRunia]

Our governor needs to be voted out. I try to do it every election but people keep voting for him. This last one was frustrating. It's like they learned nothing from how he handled covid.

[@bgentilini]

I think there is corruption going on in the voting system. On Telegram there are several Idaho links that are talking about just that. Little needs to be voted out with MASSIVE numbers so they can't steal the vote again.

[@PatKolstad-jn5qd]

look how people follow TRUMP!

[@PatKolstad-jn5qd]

From wisconsin!

[@rnuglad2cme919]

Their wells, their water

[@j.e.9017]

Wow this is real! Questions: why the new water director? What happened?! And who's got the roots and 411 on this new water director?! How come they have more power than the governor (who has said that Mat loves the state of Idaho)?! BYU law grad?!

[@kathleenwilkins4294]

Also Facebook is building a new data center in Kuna Idaho which will use 70,000 gallons per day. In SLC there's another one that uses 300,000. Yet now they are stopping our food crops. I wonder who's getting paid off...

[@nadagabri5783]

If they’re waiting for the “legislattion” and or politics to step up and protect agriculture, they’re gonna be waiting forever because politicians are completely corrupt. The farmers just need not comply PERIOD Over and out.

[@dandtb6860]

That's egregious. Take it to court. Run the water now and together, fight the good fight! They are trying to shut down farmers

[@debbirbodner5358]

Are they CRAZY the government doesn't want to do anything. These farmers need this water to feed people. They need to keep income. Stop trying to let people loose their farms. Get your government in Idaho to work for the farmers. Sad that this is what is going to happen.

[@JY-tq8dr]

Nate - thank you for bringing this to the public! These farmers - stand strong. How can we help?

[@joank.0421]

There's stuff like this happening in Colorado and it's affecting Farmers that have had those rights for MANY YEARS. I smell a rat. Start calling your Governor and Representatives!!

[@gailself8619]

This is ATROCIOUS! Fallback on this is going to be abundant! God bless our American Farmers.

[@jammiesimb311]

Congress needs to step in and help, but they haven’t been helping this country for a long time sitting on their thumbs

[@shandygould3144]

We should drive are tractors to Boise

[@ctdev2003]

I just read an interesting article from 1995 in High Country News called "No more ignoring the obvious: Idaho sucks itself dry" - it sounds like this has been a long standing issue in the state

[@mrp4242]

Yep. Malted Barley growing on these massive farms has been VERY economically successful for some of these “farmers” (which are in many instances, more like businessmen or CEOs who hire out all of the farmer work--often to under the table help and illegal migrants--certainly not most, but they most certainly exist). Also Alfalfa is another huge crop that sucks down water…not so much like the Rice paddies in So Cal, but the Snake River Valley is NOT Iowa and Missouri. Surface water….ok, that’s fine if you want to b!tch about it, but dipping into aquifers has consequences. And these water heavy crops take their toll, for products that in many instances are shipped out of the US, including to one of Idaho’s biggest clients, China. Who has seen an increase in Food and Agriculture exports from Idaho since the Covid shutdown. These farms suck the water down. But they still aren’t as bad as Cobalt mines--which may be the real culprit behind this. And man is Cobalt important for our military-industrial complex, of which many rank-and-file Idahoans also support. “A lot of water is thrown away” -This guy being interviewed says these words towards the end. Exactly. Most commenters on here completely ignore that fact so they can virtue signal that ‘they are totally behind the farmers”. I mean, what does that even mean. Having some transparency, efficiency and conservation is vital. And farmers need to face up to that.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Hay Mr. Governor what are you thinking. Acting like California won't get you anywhere. If farmers cant farm YOU won't eat.

[@eddaniels3404]

They Need to pay the Farmers market Value of their Crops.😮

[@maryg3143]

I would really like to know who is benefitting from this. NATE, FOLLOW THE MONEY. PLEASE!

[@lauramccament1381]

This will make the Oregon countries angry that are wanting to join Idaho in the greater Idaho movement!

[@robbor7788]

Time to stand up or lay down!!!

[@debbiea9262]

Wow this is horrible

[@lianelindsey1407]

Let’s pray for rain!

[@ngarcia2116]

Like he said, this is one of the best years for water already. It’s greed, not limited water, that’s causing this insanity.

[@22lilacsky]

They can make it rain .. operation Popeye!!!

[@22lilacsky]

Operation Popeye used in NAM

[@billsmith5109]

Idaho Falls gets about 10” per year precipitation, and less than an inch of rain per month in the summer. Many in the eastern half of the U.S. have a hard time visualizing how dry the West is in the summer. Seattle is considered soggy by western standards, yet compare it to Wichita, Atlanta anywhere in the East. It’s dry. They might have a thunder storm cross one field. What matters is snow. Groundwater movement in that lava field of the Snake River plain is complex.

[@96obrayo]

They have more water this year than many past years

[@bunni1564]

This is absolute unacceptable! Praying for a swift resolution!

[@nancyarchibald9095]

Thank you Frank Vandersloot ! Thank you for diving into this matter head-on and helping we citizens of Eastern Idaho understand some of these issues. I married into a family who Homesteaded in Madison County in the 1800s. We have several stories in our family history about water usages and the conflicts that arose when somebody got greedy and stole water from the irrigation ditch along the Henry's Fork River. Watering crops was life and death to these families. 😅❤

[@spikesp9223]

Clean out the State House

[@sheilabrown7275]

Unreal. Just unreal.

[@birdlovespaint]

Sounds like California. Totally nuts.

[@tanyablanchard1574]

I would fire that governor

[@user-vs2cz7wg2r]

The department of water resources needs to curtaile homeowners who are irrigating more than 1/2 acre from their wells as well as homeowners irrigating dry ground building lots out of their wells. Check also subdivisions who are irrigating out of wells only because their irrigation water is unreliable. All of the growth in Eastern Idaho an the treasure valley are compromising ground water levels. There is no enforcement of state law limiting water to 1/2 acre. All farmers shld sue the Dept. For not. Enforcing rules on home owners. It's to easy for homeowners to just rely on that sprinkler system in the garage. Many are irrigating with pod systems to have grass to raise animals. It's out of control. Look around you can see it. Hold them accountable. No Farms NO Food. People wake up. Support the farmers!!!!!

[@nancyarchibald9095]

You're talking about probably 80+% of Jefferson County. These folks ALL want a home with 5 acres and a domestic well. They are watering nearly the whole 5 acres from their wells, not canal companies controlled ditches. Water rights are awesome if you have them.

[@waltersylwesiuk7563]

Thank you for providing this important information!! We support the farmers!! We should all be outraged by this deliberate abuse of power. The complete lack of transparency/ negotiation to address any challenges to provide water should be warning to all that government and corporate lawyers are interested only in power, control and money, not the people!!!

[@anastacie40]

Thank you Nate Eaton and East Idaho News, for helping to shed light on this dire problem. 🙏 This seems to be happening all around the country, sadly. Please share this video with all the folks you/we, can viewers. Let's hope and pray, that other News Teams in ALL states across the country, will help all farmers who are experiencing water shut-off(s), to their farms, to be heard, (via interviews like this one, by news stations like East Idaho News). 👏 👏 👏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@tuesday8049]

Maybe it is time for new leadership in Idaho. Who does this benefit? Little, we want answers!!!!

[@DoctorSuezz]

Hey, get a PETITION going and everyone here will sign it. ❤❤❤

[@helleobinso3304]

“Idaho Famous Potatoes”… a thing of the past. Idaho Famous Sagebrush, yum…

[@susanhiatt2372]

More than suspicious and goes along with the reduction of the basic necessities for life. Depopulation in the works.

[@22lilacsky]

🎯

[@karenbradley8851]

Good information. I don't live in Idaho but my husband was a farmer. I understand this does not sound good. Water is vital to every thing. When the government starts charging things and people don't know why.......scary. Anything can be changed if the controlling party WANTS to.

[@nunya5928]

If IDWR goes through with this it would be such a disgrace for Idaho. Shame on you IDWR. And Shame on Gov. Little for not using more of his authority or leadership to have prevented this

[@dogcreek8547]

Govnor got a huge bag of cash from bill gates

[@billsmith5109]

Evidence?

[@user-by8bh6ie4y]

That's where all this stems from is from Bill from the GATES of hell

[@LUCKYLOONYGIRL]

I've seen when the farmers sold their land here in Pocatello there's now apartment buildings and businesses. Why are they doing this to the farmers? I wonder.

[@jimgrimes8342]

Frank is my hero. I worked for him in his Tennessee operation and regret ever leaving. This man takes care of his employees and his community as if they were family. Would gladly move to one of his Idaho operations. Miss melaleuca.

[@sallyblodgette2770]

Wow! So shutting farms down!

[@stem172]

America is toast.

[@teresakirkendale6925]

Starving us!!! 🙏🏼🇺🇸🏴♥️

[@wendyfoster5579]

What in the world.

[@jacktravis7179]

Control the food , control the people !!!

[@conniewright1113]

Facebook will not let me share this video. Corrupt is corrupt.

[@EBY5801]

Wow! This is just unbelievable. Doesn’t the Idaho legislature and governor care about all of these farmers losing their farms? Just let everything go back to sage brush? I’m so confused.

[@keithclyde733]

It's not just the Farmers . IT'S a trickle down effect for alot of others.

[@beezab8569]

So then food prices escalate even more due to limited supply. Things that make you go hum….

[@gsmith6026]

Gotta make them cheap potatoes cost $50 for a 5 lb bag. Can’t have the poor being able to eat.